What does organic really mean and why should I buy organic?
Unlike conventional cotton which is one of the most heavily sprayed industry in the world, organic fibers (such as organic cotton) are not sprayed with harmful pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers, which in turn helps save our water, air and environment as a whole. Organic methods of agriculture are inherently better for our bodies, our homes, our planet and for future generations.

Which official organizations classify a fiber as organic and what are their criteria?
The Organic Trade Association (link) and its Organic Fiber Council defines the standards for organic fiber certification for future Federal Regulatory purposes. UTC's founder is on the Council's Steering Committee. Today, organizations such as IFOAM certify organic cotton and other fibers labeled as organic based on specific organic farming methodologies comparable to that of organic food.

What are natural fibers?
Natural fibers are those which are non-synthetic and grown under natural conditions: cotton, linen, hemp, flax, wool, silk, tencel and more. Fibers that are natural are grown without pesticides and use sustainable agricultural methods, unlike their conventional counterparts. Some fibers, such as hemp, are grown organically without the use of toxic chemicals but because of the organic fiber industry's youth, these fibers may not yet be certified organic. By the end of 2004, this should change.

What is Hemp?
Hemp is a durable, breathable comfortable fabric similar to linen but softer. It is also UV resistant. The hemp at UTC is of the highest quality and strength. It is machine washable as well.

What is Tencel?
A strong, easy-care fabric made of the cellulose extracted from managed tree farms. This elegant eco-fiber is derived using a non-toxic process, which spins it into a buttery-soft machine washable textile, both luxurious and upscale

I am chemically sensitive; what can I or can't I wear?
Any 100% organic fiber such as organic cotton or linen. Depending upon your level of sensitivity, you may need to wear non dyed or color grown (organic cotton grown in sage or brown) fabrics!

What is organic cotton?
It is cotton grown free of toxic chemicals using biologically based and sustainable growing methods (such as crop rotation) rather than with highly synthetic and destructive fertilizers.

What is color grown cotton?
Color grown cotton contains no dyes but is grown in beautiful natural colors such as honey, sage, and mocha. Ancient Indians in South America were known to have used color grown cotton. In the past decade, these color grown cotton fibers have become available once again for apparel manufacturing.

What is green cotton?
"Green cotton" is conventional. Not organic, but instead, cotton which is non dyed and untreated.

What does GMO free mean?
GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. These are plants which have not been manipulated by genetic engineering.

What is Eco-fleece?
It is a nubby, soft fabric made from recycled soda bottles. Every time you purchase something from eco fleece you are contributing to saving another piece of the earth, which would otherwise be used as landfill.

 Organic Fabrics for You!

100% Hemp

60% Hemp 40% Organic Cotton

55% Hemp 45% Cotton

 
Organic Textiles

Silver State offers a beautiful GREEN fabric collection, Smart Life™: Body & Soul. Made from 100 percent recycled and recyclable Polyester that is extruded from the resin in PET water bottles, Body & Soul can contribute to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credit under the Materials and Resources (MR Credit 4: Recycled Content Materials) category.